[ness]

I've had real success with my pumpkins, which makes up most other things being a bit rubbish.
But I knew it was too good to be true.......I'm growing a "halloween" type pumpkin, I think its "jack o lantern".  I have got 4 very large fruit of which I'm very proud    but the plant are now dying.  The leaves have gone crispy and yellow.
Is this normal?  Do I move the pumpkins or leave them where they are?  I grew them really for Halloween, will they keep?  They are just turing a bit yellowy.
Any help gratefully received.
Ness x

[shaun]

i would leave em on the plant for aslong as possible,noticed today that the leaves on mine had started to yellow a bit,once the fruits start to ripen thats it pick em and store them.i keep mine near the window in the shed to ripen not sure if they would ripen in the dark :?

[muntjac]

i maybe they need feeding its nitrogen deficient . feed some growmore  or a good drink of liquid manure

[David.]

When I grew halloween pumpkins, I planted them out later than recommended, or they came too early and got in the way for weeks on end waiting for Halloween.

The other danger of an early harvest is the stem starting to rot after cutting, and by the time Halloween has come, the rot has travelled all the way down to the fruit and ruined it.

[Little Miss Muffet]

My pumpkins started really well they grew to the size of a fist then they turned black and dropped off :evil:
The plants are still alive but there is no pumpkins on there. :cry:

[Annie]

I always leave until the stem starts to die back then if you harvest with a good 6" stem still attatched they should keep for months.

[wellingtons]

... are really confused this year.  My Jack of All Trades has one ripe fruit about the size of an melon and two others that have only just set and are galloping ahead!

I think it's worth trying to revive the plant with plenty of water and a feed, but if it has gone then cut off the fruits with a short stem and put them somewhere sunny to ripen.  They should be fine.

[Sadgit]

how do I know when mine are ready? I have 2 that are almost 100% orange. (so I am told as I am totally colour blind ) and about the size of basketballs.

[Aidy]

This is the first time were growing them, in competition with Oli's nursery friends, this was taken sunday, no ideda what type it is as their mum gave us the seed but I can tell you we have won, theirs are like tennis balls.

[muntjac]

is that your daughter aidy? she is a cutie

[Aidy]

Most certainly is, can you not see it, bit of a hooligan mate, dont let the cute look fool ya, been hauled into nursey twice as she beats the boys up, first time gave one lad a blooming nose, mind you he did try to play with the toy she was playing with.

[muntjac]

oh . well just checking lol... afeer all the hairs a bit nicer n she dont look like a punk rockers child.. she looks humann  

[Sadgit]

howay then.. how do I know when mine are ready??

[Aidy]

plans are in the offing Munty  :twisted:  just getting the sych sorted then the image.

[brucesgirl]

Poor Sadgit - you may get an answer some time this year !!!!
I don't know either so am waiting with bated breath.